The 2021 NBA Draft class was earmarked as the deepest in years with a handful of superior players in a tier of their own. While some tapped a specific quartet others cited Jonathan Kuminga as the fifth given his youth and projected upside. This is the first prospect in our profiles that could potentially slip to the OKC Thunder without Sam Presti needing to make a deal to trade up for the combo forward.
Kuminga like Jalen Green spent the season opting out of the NCAA electing instead to play for the G-League Ignite. Although some analysts felt he didn’t do enough to separate himself it’s important to remember the competition in the G-League is better overall.
Most rosters feature two-way contracted players, rookies, and young players as well as older pros either looking for another shot or using the G-League as part of their rehabilitation from injury.
That factor alone makes it more difficult to stand out as easily as the prospects in college are able to.
OKC Thunder draft prospect profile for Jonathan Kuminga:
Specifics:
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Wingspan: 7′
- Position: Combo Forward
- Birthdate/Age: October 6, 2002 -18 years
- G-League: Ignite, freshman
- Stat line: 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals
- Home Town: Greenwich, CT
Box Score Statistics:
| Season | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 13 | 32.8 | 14.3 | .387 | 5.0 | .246 | 9.3 | .463 | 3.7 | .625 | 1.2 | 6.0 | 7.2 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 15.8 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/11/2021.
Current Ranking:
Kuminga has consistently ranked fifth in the quartet although some mock drafts place him a tad higher based on his raw talent and ceiling. Others drop him lower either preferring to have a player who can produce immediately or is a better fit for the team’s timeline.
- The Ringer: 5th
- NBA DraftNet: 5th
- ESPN: 5th
- CBS Sports: 6th
- NBA: 5th
- Bleacher Report: 5th
- FanSided The Step Back: 3rd
With that let’s dive a little deeper into Kuminga to determine his strengths and weaknesses.
Jonathan Kuminga strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
Although Jalen Green’s stock rose during his season on the G-League Ignite ironically it was Kuminga who outscored him in seven of the 13 games they both played. JK registered four double-doubles in those matches often serving up glimpses of his high-end athleticism with a full range of fundamental skills.
Potential is a word you’ll hear over and over again when it comes to the combo forward. Although he’s raw he shows signs of being able to dominate in every key category and on both sides of the ball.
His athleticism and natural talent mean he can create his own shot, score at the rim, use his speed to drive by opponents or in transition. He gets to the line frequently is a good rebounder and a better-than-expected ball handler when he keeps things simple. The ability is there for him to stretch the court and it’s not his shot mechanics that are the problem — it’s his decision-making.
At just 18 his youth tends to overtake him equating to him overthinking things. When he just reacts and does what is organic to him the results are often spectacular. His athleticism allows him to succeed in spite of his rawness.
If he lands in the right system with a strong development team and exercises patience there is reason to believe he could become a player with limited weaknesses.
Weaknesses:
Youth is the primary issue with Jonathan Kuminga which means he’s often his own worst enemy. When assessing his talent it’s important to remember how young he is since most of the mistakes he makes or areas he needs to improve all link back to his age and inexperience.
For example, his lack of focus, forcing shots when better options are available, and lack of consistency. Once he matures to improve his focus, decision making and effort to combine with all those natural gifts he could be an elite two-way superstar.
The question is when a player has this much potential whether they will be willing to be patient, put in the work, and if they’ll buy into maximizing their ability to the full potential.
If he does with his already strong frame natural talent he could end up being the player most discussed five years after the draft.
Pro Comparison:
The list of comparisons offers a broad range but speaks to his all-around capability. Each of Danny Granger, Luol Deng, Jeff Green, and Pascal Siakam was suggested and as noted they are players who all possessed a full toolbox of two-way skills.
That quartet suggests the analysts consider Kuminga a workhorse-style player. From our perspective, it all will depend on how committed the youngster is in putting in the time and effort to grow, and then once he gets consistent playing time if he’ll bring the effort and focus on both ends. If he does I think he has the potential to surpass all of the aforementioned comparisons.
OKC Thunder fit:
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Typically a player this raw with a high ceiling would be the ideal fit for the OKC Thunder as they progress through the revamping of the franchise. Certainly, the development team would be of great benefit to Kuminga. Yet, I find myself thinking he’d be better served landing on a playoff squad. That way the Greenwich native would have to put the work in at the G-League level and compete to break into the varsity rotation.
It’s perhaps an odd thing to say given Aleksej Pokusevski is also young but unlike Kuminga, he has the perfect demeanor for the developing Thunder. POKU plays every game with a swagger and competitiveness so when he misses a defensive assignment it’s not for lack of effort or focus.
Nor is Kuminga a Luguentz Dort type who’ll quickly adapt – he needs time (years) and again in the narrator’s opinion his career will be best served if he has to fight to force his way into a varsity rotation.
Ultimately, if Presti makes no deals to move up and Kuminga falls to the OKC Thunder he fits the timeline and has massive upside.